Text: Issues in Archaeological Ethics, edited by Larry Zimmerman, K.D.
Vitelli and Julie Hollowell-Zimmer. AltaMira Press [2003].
What defines archaeologists as professionals? What value does archaeology
have for and in the modern world? What are archaeological ethics and why
do we need them? What are the differences (and sometimes, conflicts)
between archaeological ethics and pertinent laws, and where and how do
they intersect? What are the archaeologist's responsibilities to the
remnants of the past? To native and local peoples, ancient and modern?
To the citizens and governments of host countries? To the natural and
cultural environment? To each other? What, in short, are their
obligations to the cultural heritage of the world and how can they most
appropriately discharge them? Where do non-professionals--members of the
interested public--fit into the picture? These questions, both lofty and
highly practical, are our concern.
This spring, we will address these and related questions guided by a new
text (that will not be officially released until late spring) that was, in
part, developed through previous versions of this class, and should take
us into the increasingly complex and compelling aspects of the subject.
The course is critical for majors in archaeology and related
fields (especially bioanthropology, history, ancient art history), but
non-archaeologists are most welcome and have much to contribute.
Grades will be based on class participation (so regular attendance is
expected), a short (6-8 page) research paper early in the term, and a
final project.